He was born August 12, 1936, in Weston, the son of Elmer A. and Martha (Engles) Willis. He attended local schools and graduated from Chester High School in 1956.

In 1957, he married Louise Pelto of Brattleboro, and the couple had lived in Weston and Windsor, but mostly in Montpelier.

For many years, he had been a technician for the Vermont Department of Transportation, retiring in 1998.

Elmer was extremely mechanically inclined and enjoyed working on cars and engines of all types.

Survivors include two sons, Allen Willis of Montpelier, John Willis and his wife, Rose, of Barre; and a daughter, Susan Davis and her husband, Wendell, of Riverton; and his longtime friend, Elsie Reed. Also surviving are three brothers, John Willis and his companion, Hallery Brunet, of Williston, Curtis Willis of Weston, and Fred Willis and his wife, Betsy, of Springfield; and a sister, Myrtle Bacon and her husband, Ron, of South Londonderry; eight grandchildren, Tammy Willis, John Willis Jr., Joshua Davis, Kari Willis, Adam Willis, Patrick Willis, Tamara Davis and Joseph Davis, along with seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Louise; a brother, Herbert Willis; and a grandson, Jeremy Davis.

His funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Plainfield.

Friends may call on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre.

Contributions in his memory may be sent to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641; or the American Lung Association of Vermont, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495.